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MUNICH FABRIC START – AN INTERPLAY OF CREATIVITY, TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITALISATION PRODUCES THE NEW CONTENT FOR FASHION

The MUNICH FABRIC START from 5 to 7 September 2017 that has just drawn to a close was a very special one and to a certain extent served as an indicator for the trade fair's future direction. Numerous innovations, developments and optimisations were once again used to visualise ideas giving the sector a platform for creativity and technical developments. In Munich the future is real and technology the key to a broad-based textiles and fashion industry brimming with dynamism that is both tangible and perceivable.

To the tune of 20,500 visitors from Germany and abroad were able to convince themselves of this in themed areas. This means another slight increase in attendance of just above 1%, which was registered after the end of the trade fair in addition to an extended length of stay over all three trade fair days.

The textile and apparel industry was in for a dense and high-quality information and service package brimming with new formats, forward-looking approaches as well as inspiring showcases in addition to high-calibre international seminars and conferences. Centre stage at the event now expanded both in terms of floor space and content were the (for the first time) over 2,000 collections from 1,200 international suppliers – a varied and exclusive spectrum of high-impact FABRICS and ADDITIONALS presented at the yet again fully booked MOC, the Zenith Area as well as the MTC which was occupied for the first time.

'With our leading trade fair MUNICH FABRIC START, the BLUEZONE for Denim+Sportswear, KEYHOUSE as an innovation and competence centre as well as MUNICH APPAREL SOURCE as a sourcing platform we offer a comprehensive, content-driven and forward-looking strategic concept. We have made it clear once again that we can take the initiative and assume responsibility for an exhibition event oriented towards the future.' Wolfgang Klinder, Managing Director MUNICH FABRIC START

BLUEZONE – INFINITE DENIM SUPPLY BLUEZONE was presented with a revisited concept as one of the world's biggest denim + sportswear shows with over 110 brands. The progressively designed Denim Club was in great demand as a discussion and trend research forum; and INFINITE as a forward-looking trend concept that re-defines and strikingly visualises the target group approach as an integrated, supra-seasonal format.

KEYHOUSE – EXPLORE THE INDUSTRY 4.0 Designed as an interface and innovation and competence centre for international vendors, KEYHOUSE proved a major attraction once again. Numerous products – from new fibres and innovative fabrics through to consulting and novel finishes – saw their market launch here.

Featuring at KEYHOUSE for the first time, the competence and innovation centre of MUNICH FABRIC START, the MicroFactory, served as a blueprint for re-shuffling the supply/manufacturing chain. Here the production of the future could be experienced hands on. For the first time, Industry 4.0 was demonstrated live as a fully connected and integrated manufacturing chain from design through to the finished product.

'There are not many opportunities to see such a manufacturing chain demonstrated live. Key here is to broaden horizons, generate stimuli and to get a chance to assess this approach. It is important to raise the awareness of technology suppliers about working in the chain.' Christian Kaiser, DITF

Also fitting this context is the extended OrganicSelection and the Sustainable Innovations Forum. Here sustainability is presented in a comprehensive and complex manner and the call to develop fabric innovations that look to the future and that elucidate and explain – is a convincing one.

'Technical innovations in fibres, fabrics and finishes as well as sustainable concepts for every stage of the production and value chain provide fashion with new content – giving fashion a heart and reviving its spirit and soul. Even today innovation and sustainability are already impacting many fashion collections and are increasingly becoming the undisputed future of prêt-à-porter. This is precisely the interface that KEYHOUSE highlights and why it has become the source of cross-trend inspirations and impulses for MUNICH FABRIC START.' Alex Vogt, kernkommunikation

FashNerd is the fastest growing digital magazine covering fashion and technology. Its topic: how fast the growing expertise and presence of smart textiles is changing the textile and fashion industry and how far we still are from the mainstream and reaching inside consumers' heads. In her impressive keynote Muchaneta Kapfunde, the founder of FashNerd, presented the radical change of smart textiles caught between reality and fabric-related technology.

Presented for the third time now was the HIGHTEX AWARD, the innovation award of MUNICH FABRIC START. The winner was Kassim Denim with a photo-catalytic denim that binds particles from the air in sunlight thanks to a special finish. The runner-up was Schoeller Textil with a sustainable soft shell combined with merino wool. In third place was Vilartex with a novel fibre composition containing 13% nettle.

The other highlights at KEYHOUSE without a doubt included the trend seminar presented by Li Edelkoort with her familiar style and brilliance. She interpreted the trends for Autumn.Winter 18/19 and gave an exclusive preview of the fundamental colour stories for Summer 2019. As well as the passionately presented analysis plus future outlook by David Shah, publisher of the VIEW publications; Shah talked about societal and generational constellations under the headline 'Move over Darling'.

MUNICH APPAREL SOURCE – MANUFACTURING & SOURCING Celebrating its debut at the Munich trade fair location was MUNICH APPAREL SOURCE as a logical consequence in order to present the segments of design, manufacturing, including fabric and findings sourcing in their entirety and with continuity. This new trade fair was kicked off by the patterns X.0 conference on the digitalisation of the value chain with an excellent line-up of speakers and it was hosted by Holger Knapp, General Manager at Deutscher Fachverlag. Answers, outlooks and examples from manufacturing and distribution processes were presented by co-organiser Hans Peter Hiemer, b4b GmbH besides Robert Sinclair President of Li&Fung, Hong Kong and Martijn Hagman, CFO of Tommy Hilfiger/PvH Europe, to name but a few speakers.

'The current MUNICH FABRIC START has performed important pioneering work in areas of relevance to the future. A network of creativity, technology, processes and communication has emerged that makes dynamism and densification a real experience thereby creating an intensity that was received well by both exhibitors and visitors alike. We have succeeded in generating impulses, providing inspiration and establishing contacts. This is a major success of the trade fair. However, we are sufficiently self-critical to know that there is some fine tuning still needed here and there. In feedback conversations with our partners this will be sounded out.' Sebastian Klinder, Managing Director MUNICH FABRIC START

MUNIQUE MOODS The overall positive mood was also reflected by the MUNICH FABRIC NIGHT Munique Moods, now a firm fixture on the trade fair agenda. The industry was in the mood for dancing – winding down from the 2nd day of the trade fair with live covers care of Gerry and Gary.

» Download Press Images (Highres) | » Show Press Gallery VIEW as the early exclusive event in Munich will already be held from 5 to 6 December 2017 showcasing the first collections for Summer 2019. These dates and the trade fair format were confirmed as a fixture that is urgently needed in many talks with suppliers and visitors, especially high-quality brands and designers.

Combined with MUNICH FABRIC START as sequenced events optimum synchronisation is achieved for the most assured planning of collections possible. All the more as the early fabrics and additional lines are already very developed and their statements very concise.

The next MUNICH FARBIC START will be held from 30 January to 1 February 2018.

MUNICH FABRIC START PUSHES NEW TRADE FAIR AND EVENT FORMATS

MUNICH FABRIC START kicks off the new trade fair cycle for AUTUMN.WINTER 18/19 with even greater impact. In addition to extending existing areas, a new trade fair format MUNICH APPAREL SOURCE will be launched. Held concurrently it extends the ranges to include the next step in the value chain.

> Due to popular demand, the high need for information and the strengthened position of BLUEZONE as the biggest European denim show with over 100 brands the coming event in September will be extended to three days thereby aligning with the duration of MUNICH FABRIC START at MOC.

> At the Denim Club with talks and workshops held on a specifically installed gallery at the centre of the BUEZONE expert talks and workshops will cover developments and tendencies in this dynamic and fast-paced market.

> A new feature is THE INFINITE as a leitmotif integrated into the BLUEZONE – its evocative message is 'Denim beyond Seasons' – The Latest First. This concept picks up on new cycles and trends that dissociate themselves from the classical seasonal approach and adapt to the process of real-life necessities.

> KEYHOUSE, the innovative hub for new technologies, future fabrics, bionomics and macro trends, will also be open over the entire three trade fair days for the first time now. On display will be the latest developments in new high-tech fibres, fabrics and accessories alongside value chain processes and sustainable innovations.

> Providing deep insights into Textile Industry 4.0 is the MicroFactory that presents a completely connected, integrated production chain experience from design to finishing. Selected partners will be given an opportunity here to test the production of one of their individual designs in a so-called design slot specifically reserved for them.

>> Find more detailed information here

> The highlights at KEYHOUSE include an exclusive trend seminar by Li Edelkoort. The internationally renowned trend expert will share the key trends for the AUTUMN.WINTER 18/19 season and conclude with an exclusive preview of the tendencies for SPRING.SUMMER 19 in Munich.

> Presented for the third time will be the HIGHTEX AWARD, the innovation prize of MUNICH FABRIC START at KEYHOUSE as a recognition of outstanding performance in terms of forward-looking product development.

> Held in parallel with MUNICH FABRIC START and BLUEZONE will be the premiere of MUNICH APPAREL SOURCE at the nearby MTC. A regular shuttle between MOC and MTC will be provided.

This means MUNICH FABRIC START is extending its portfolio to include the next stage of the value chain. With MUNICH APPAREL SOURCE it will offer a comprehensive portfolio of services and products for the fashion industry in one location. The spectrum of services offered by these over 200 multi-national sourcing offices and manufacturing companies with European designers and ready-to-wear producers includes both Cut-Make-Trim (CMT) solutions and high-end finished goods production.

'The expectations linked to the complex and logistically demanding manufacturing and sourcing processes in the textile and fashion industry necessitate the synergy of two complementary and synched events such as MUNICH FABRIC START – one of the most successful trade fair for Fabrics and Additionals – and the new MUNICH APPAREL SOURCE – the format specialised in manufacturing and sourcing.' Wolfgang Klinder, Managing Director MUNICH FABRIC START

A multi-facetted conference and seminar programme at MTC provides additional information on forward-looking aspects related to sourcing and the imminent revolutions in the fashion sector. To kick off MUNICH APPAREL SOURCE on 5 September 2017, the Conference 'patterns X.0 – Digitalisation of the Value Chain' will shed some light on the future of the fashion industry – from design through production to merchandise management at the PoS. Hosted by Holger Knapp, the General Manager of Deutscher Fachverlag, innovative concepts and case studies will be presented by international players followed by an open discussion and question and answer session with participants.

For more information please visit www.patterns-x.website

MUNICH FABRIC START with over 1,000 suppliers – of whom some 90 are international first-time exhibitors – and more than 1,700 collections in the FABRICS and ADDITIONALS segments is fully booked once again. A total of more than 800 FABRICS and 280 ADDITIONALS suppliers from 36 countries will showcase their collections in Halls 1 to 7, complemented by companies from the Far East at ASIA SALON plus the stimulating DESIGN STUDIOS with proprietary prints as well as creative design solutions.

'The complex and synchronised event format comprising MUNICH FABRIC START as one of the leading international trade fairs for fabrics and additionals, MUNICH APPAREL SOURCE Fair as the 'service centre' for manufacturing and sourcing processes, BLUEZONE as one of the most important and complete denim shows, and the KEYHOUSE as an creative and innovation lab make a clear statement in favour of a modern and progressive corporate strategy towards the future. And all of this supported by a comprehensive service package and partnership-based cooperations.' Sebastian Klinder, Managing Director MUNICH FABRIC START

For further information related to MUNICH FABRIC START go to our website www.munichfabricstart.com.

The press gallery with an extensive choice of visuals is at your disposal at press gallery

MUNICH FABRIC NIGHT – AFTER SHOW PARTY The MUNICH FABRIC NIGHT will be held on the evening of the second day of the trade fair from 6.30 pm at the Zenith premises. Invitees are as usual suppliers, decision-makers and creatives.

Special thanks go to IPEKER for sponsoring the shuttle buses.

CLEAR STATEMENT - BLUEZONE AND KEYHOUSE EXTENDED TO THREE DAYS

With its current strategic approach as an innovation and communication platform MUNICH FABRIC START has set new standards in the face of challenging developments in the sector and on the market.

Reliability and continuity as well as an expanded portfolio with international brands are the key constants for the newly achieved growth at MUNICH FABRIC START in 2017. Expressed in figures: three very well-attended days at the fair and, in particular, a strong third day made for growth in visitor numbers of some 1% over the previous year reaching 20,100 international visitors by the end of the event.

Once again meeting with wide approval was KEYHOUSE that kicked off last autumn. Equally high were the numbers at the two BLUEZONE halls ALL STAR MILLS and CATALYZER. With over 100 international brands BLUEZONE posted the highest numbers since its inception, both in terms of exhibitors and visitors.

"Already at this stage we have received numerous enquiries about the next exhibition at KEYHOUSE and the BLUEZONE, prompting us to also consider a possible extension here too. All these success factors combined have led to the decision to extend to three days both the BLUEZONE with its addition of CATALYZER and also KEYHOUSE as an innovation and creative centre in line with the duration of MUNICH FABRIC START at the MOC as from September 2017. " Sebastian Klinder, Managing Director MUNICH FABRIC START

By extending all forums, segments and halls to a total of three days MUNICH FABRIC START is meeting the wishes of a majority of suppliers and visitors for whom the date in Munich is one of the most important in the season's schedule.

"MUNICH FABRIC START offers the right balance of work and inspiration. Over the first two days we meet all our suppliers here. We then use the third day fully to explore the good inspirations offered. You always discover new things here." Georg Walendy, Alberto

Optimism was spread by the over 1,700 very bold, imaginative and inspiring fabric collections and technical product developments from the over 1,000 suppliers. People came in search of new things and many new things were on offer. Be this in finishing, the resurgence of prints, in the impressively light weight categories as well in the colour range which extended from fragile and subtle through to mid tones and dramatic metallics.

"With its exposed and more trend-focused positioning we have given the ADDITIONALS segment a new standing that in combination with fabrics provides an outlook on future research and presentation options for individual lifestyle worlds. With the current performance package with leading suppliers MUNICH FABRIC START has set another quality standard. This applies both to the wide spectrum of textile collections and to the forward-looking process and material developments." Wolfgang Klinder, Managing Director MUNICH FABRIC START

The highlight fabric and accessories developments staged in the TREND and COLOUR FORUM in the foyer of the MOC were able to create added appeal serving as an inspiration pool thanks to the extension and new interpretation of the ADDITIONALS TREND FORUM arranged in trend worlds.

One of the highlights of the broad-based supporting programme focused on various themes at KEYHOUSE was Li Edelkoort's trend lecture. In her very own authoritative, dedicated and convincing way the international trend expert Li Edelkoort called upon the audience at MUNICH FABRIC START attending in large numbers to make a clear move towards emancipation. Emancipation in terms of life, age and mindset, and all this irrespective of gender. She spoke openly about her very personal perception and dismay at the current political situation:

"For the first time in my life I am looking with pessimism towards the future. I think the next ten to fifteen years will be a great political challenge. The current political climate is both awful and hopeful at the same time. The hopeful part is that we are reawakening and discovering a new interest in democracy." Li Edelkoort

Movement and change are the determining parameters affecting not only trends in fashion, she predicted. At the same time, she points out that there is nothing new and that boredom and uniformity are decisive. That seasons have outdated themselves. She propagates anti-fashion and is, at the same time, aware of the degree of provocation here. Anti-fashion is more than fashion, she believes.

The audience's applause was rapturous and sustained. Her trend lecture at MUNICH FABRIC START is one of her rare appearances in Germany for many years now. It was one of those moments that gave added quality to the overall positive mood at the trade fair and one that left a noticeably lasting impression on visitors.

"For us MUNICH FABRIC START is an established date. For us it is the most important trade fair, especially due to its combination with BLUEZONE. Because we come here not only in search of denim but also specifically cotton and prints. The range as well as the organisation are just super. Both permit a highly efficient and, at the same time, pleasant working environment. For us MUNICH FABRIC START offers a perfect overview at the start of the season." Andreas Hugendieck, Zerres

Enjoying great appeal and lasting interest was KEYHOUSE. The concept is catching on. Acceptance levels are there. Understanding is becoming ever more focused. This has prompted exciting cooperations between science and skilled craftsmanship, between product and process solutions, between action and reaction and between ideas and implementation.

"Meeting together here at the interface of denim, sportswear and fashion is both the future and the present of the fashion and textile sectors. Innovative producers and suppliers presented their future-oriented concepts and solutions here for the second time now. Positioned between the MOC and the BLUEZONE with CATALYZER at the ZENITH premises footfall at KEYHOUSE was once again very high, as expected, on both days of the trade fair. Stimulated by an informative supporting programme featuring trend lectures and expert talks on themes like innovation and sustainability trade visitors and exhibitors held very in-depth discussions." Alex Vogt, Kern Kommunikation

"We have a second presence here at KEYHOUSE because we wanted to show an audience specifically in search of innovations what is technologically possible with denim. This location is perfect for this. We are primarily concerned here with networking and being close to the leading denim manufacturers." Thomas Leemann, Schoeller Technologies

The agenda at KEYHOUSE included: The presentation of the HIGHTEX AWARD honouring innovative, future-oriented product innovations. Winning 1st place was Tintex Textiles with a breathable, cork-coated jersey. Followed by Soorty Enterprises whose bi-elastic denim for sport clothing convinced the jury. 3rd place went to Thermore for the development of a heat-regulating ticking.

For further information and detailed product descriptions of the award-winning products as well as the other entries please see the HIGHTEX AWARD Report.

» TO THE HIGHTEX AWARD REPORT

Sustainable innovations were presented for the first time: as a window on the future of the sector eight innovative concepts presented in a gallery format showcased their visions of where the textile technology developments could lead - from jellyfish leather and citrus fibre through to fruit leather. Furthermore, the future theme of sustainability met with a great response in its tried and text format at organicselection featuring the latest developments in the field of sustainably produced fabrics and accessories.

We look forward to being able to welcome you to VIEW in Munich from 17 to 18 July 2017. The next MUNICH FABRIC START for the Autumn.Winter 18/19 season will run from 5 to 7/9/2017.

A special thank you goes to COTTON USA for sponsoring the shuttle buses.

TRANSFORMATION - A CONCENTRATION OF STRENGTH

TRANSFORM! The signs point to change. This time it is more than just about superficial tweaking. It is about new mindsets and perspectives. The principle of conventional seasonal rhythms is under review. Surprising correlations bring the rustic up alongside the technological. Tradition takes on new value within the innovation process. Fashion becomes a uniting cultural asset. Because of this the purported borders of bipolarity are dissolved, mutating into a holistic approach to trends.

New questions arise: how do you bring high-tech to the countryside? Can machines be sensitive? Consumers are looking towards an age where personalised sneakers are custom-made in a local factory preferably operated by robots - in both urban and rural environments. Small production outfits are no longer dependent on a local customerbase when major online retailers make tailor-made platforms available to them. Summer 2018 will mobilise and emotionalise consumers with its extraordinarily progressive approach.

The next MUNICH FABRIC START, from 31/01 to 02/02/2017, offers - for all these innovations affecting not just silhouettes, materials and colours, but also the structures of the entire market - a series of dynamic, innovative and sustainable solutions and processes.

"We see it as one of our core tasks to watch the changes on the market from all angles very closely and with the support of strong textile firms as well as high-tech specialists we aim to give answers to current developments. As a reliable partner we develop market-relevant themes and viable strategies and concepts. At MUNICH FABRIC START we always very consciously adopt new paths. Here we benefit to a great extent from the innovative power of Germany as a business location as well as from the economic and technological reliability of Munich, in particular."Sebastian Klinder, Managing Director at MUNICH FABRIC START

At the forthcoming event from 31/01 to 02/02/2017 MUNICH FABRIC START is once again fully booked. Over 1000 international producers and suppliers will showcase more than 1700 new fabrics and additionals collections. The complex portfolio is composed of the latest fabric and findings trends in women's and men's wear, denim and sportswear as well as in sub-sections of kids' wear.

A total of 800 FABRICS and 280 ADDITIONALS suppliers from over 37 countries will be presenting their collections in Halls 1 to 4, supplemented by companies from the Far East at the ASIA SALON and the impulse-generating DESIGN STUDIOS with individual prints as well as creative design solutions.

"2016 was the year of investments, innovations and premieres. It was the most successful year since the trade fair has been in existence. 2017 will be the year the profile is sharpened within the different areas and individual segments. With its current high-performance package from leading suppliers MUNICH FABRIC START is raising the quality bar even higher. This applies both for the wide range of textile collections and for the pioneering process and material developments."Wolfgang Klinder, Managing Director at MUNICH FABRIC START

AMPLIFIER EXPLORING A VERSATILE SEASON With over 100 brands the two halls of the BLUEZONE are once again fully booked. With 75 established denim mills in Hall 7 the ALL STAR MILLS alone presents an international premium portfolio and current developments, finishes and washes for denim & sportswear. New names here include: ALBIATE 1830, KURABO, DENIM STUDIO, BLU INTERNATIONAL, CRESENT, REDMARK, FIREMOUNT and SOORTY. At CATALYZER in Hall 6, 25 suppliers will be providing information on innovations with a focus on denim heritage and blueprints as well as sustainability.

Let's Detox Denim - Mission Blue by bluesign technologies AG and G-Star Raw show a commitment for a healthy, save and environmentally-friendly production process. G-Star plays a leading role in the detox of denim by using bluesign® systems to maintain this philosophy. bluesign® systems is based on a holistic approach with input stream management for a reduced use of chemicals and a maximum protection of people and environment.

KEYHOUSE - THE INNOVATIVE THINK TANK 'Fashion goes Technology' is the heading for KEYHOUSE in Hall 5. Here over 40 suppliers will be showcasing their latest technology and sustainability developments that can be integrated into textile products and high fashion. The wide-ranging and individual portfolio reflects the future of the sector which is increasingly exploring the topic of sustainable and forward-looking textiles and processes. Names here include: Schoeller, Toyota, Panteratex, Grantec, Cordura, Lenzing, Filatures du Parc, Naveena sowie Dyneema and Ecoalf.

The significance of this comprehensive theme revolutionising the fashion and textiles market is also demonstrated by the renewed presence of SOURCEBOOK at KEYHOUSE. A cooperation between leading European companies in the textiles and technology sectors, this offers an insight into the influential and defining development processes of the future. The notable pioneers in this R&D sector focusing on Fashion Tech, Wearable Tech and Smart Materials include: TheLab by Elektrocouture, Strick Zella, ITA by RWTH Aachen, Forster Rohner Textile Innovation as well as Trotec.

SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS FORUM Under the heading "Sustainable Innovations" MUNICH FABRIC START is bringing ideas from the distant future into the Here and Now. In collaboration with the sustainability expert Nina Marenzi from the platform The Sustainable Angle, Kern Kommunikation - experts in innovation and sustainability and long-standing cooperation partner of the trade fair - has identified selected, outstanding innovative approaches that will be showcased on 31 January and 1 February 2017 at a special presentation area at KEYHOUSE.

From fruit leather and non-woven wool through to fibres made from citrus fruit - the forward-looking concepts selected by Marenzi and Kern Kommunikation for "Sustainable Innovations" provide a progressive and new twist on familiar materials and processes as well as their transformation in an age of thoughtfulness.

HIGHTEX AWARD With a specially initiated HIGHTEX AWARD, the innovation prize awarded for the first time at the last event, it has been possible to create a forum that increasingly takes the high demand for innovation, added value and unique selling points on the textile and fashion market into consideration. The presentation of the specially created award, designed by VOJD STUDIOS Berlin in 3D technology, is a recognition of the achievements in these areas, allowing designers and product managers additional creative potential in collection design. The HIGHTEX AWARD winners will be presented on 31 January 2017 at 2.00pm at KEYHOUSE.

LI EDELKOORT - EXCLUSIVE TREND PRESENTATION The highlight of the events programme is an exclusive lecture by the renowned trend expert Li Edelkoort presenting her interpretations on the topic of TRANSITION for Spring.Summer 18 at MUNICH FABRIC START and providing initial insights into the season Autumn.Winter 18/19. Furthermore, numerous expert workshops, panel discussions and trend seminars on seasonal themes and technology, finishing and research will also be on the agenda.

For comprehensive and, in some areas, season-spanning insights into future research and presentation options of the individual lifestyle worlds there will be topically staged trend and colour forums across the entire foyer of the MOC. Also at the focus here will be the redesigned ADDITIONAL TREND AREAS under the auspices of an extended creative team.

Further information on MUNICH FABRIC START can be found on our website: www.munichfabricstart.com. The press gallery with a comprehensive selection of visuals is available here.

MUNICH FABRIC NIGHT - AFTER SHOW PARTY As usual, MUNICH FABRIC START will be inviting suppliers, decision-makers and designers to MUNICH FABRIC NIGHT on the first evening of the trade fair at 6.30 pm at M.O.C. FAIRGROUND, Featuring DJ Janusch.